επειδή
epeidí/e.piˈði/
The English phrase 'because' can be translated into Greek using επειδή (epeidí), διότι or γιατί.
Meaning: by or for the cause that, on this account that, for the reason that (conj)
Ways to say it
| Greek | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| επειδή | epeidí | /e.piˈði/ |
| διότι | dióti | |
| γιατί | giatí | /ʝaˈti/ |
These conjunctions are used to express the reason or cause for something, meaning 'for the reason that' or 'on account of'. Note that γιατί has a dual function: it can mean 'because' as a conjunction, but it is also used as a question word to mean 'why'.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these words depends on the level of formality. επειδή is a neutral option often used in structured speech. διότι is the most formal version and is primarily found in written language or very formal speech.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The default form επειδή is pronounced /e.piˈði/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- The Greek word γιατί is built from 'for' and 'what', mirroring the structure of the Italian 'perché', Spanish 'por qué' and French 'pourquoi'.
- Greek uses different words for 'because' depending on whether the reason is a known fact or a new explanation being introduced to the listener.
- Because γιατί is also the word for 'why', your intonation is the only thing preventing your explanation from sounding like a question.
Examples in context
- Επειδή εσύ το πουλάς.Because you sell it.This sentence shows how to use επειδή to give a reason.Tatoeba #7800583 by eypros, translation #7799908 by shekitten
- Αυτό γίνεται επειδή είσαι κορίτσι.That's because you're a girl.This sentence shows the use of επειδή to explain a cause.Tatoeba #1730916 by glavkos, translation #1348 by CK
- Πάω στο σχολείο γιατί θέλω να μάθω.I go to school because I want to learn.This sentence demonstrates the use of γιατί to provide a reason.Tatoeba #7218801 by janMiso, translation #256645 by CK
- Δεν ήρθα γιατί δεν είχα χρόνο.I didn't come because I didn't have time.
- Δεν πάω σινεμά γιατί είμαι κουρασμένος.I'm not going to the cinema because I'm tired.
- Δεν ήρθα στο πάρτι επειδή ήξερα ελάχιστους ανθρώπους.I didn't come to the party because I knew very few people.
- Έκλεισα ραντεβού λόγω της δουλειάς.I made an appointment due to work.
- Δεν πήγα στο γάμο διότι είχα άλλες υποχρεώσεις.I didn't go to the wedding because I had other commitments.
- 72 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eleni and Kostas are talking about why they are staying home.
- Ελένη EleniΓιατί δεν βγαίνουμε έξω;Giati den vgainoume exo;Why aren't we going out?
- Κώστας KostasΔεν βγαίνουμε επειδή βρέχει πολύ.Den vgainoume epeidi vrechei poli.We aren't going out because it's raining a lot.
- Ελένη EleniΈχεις δίκιο, Κώστα.Echeis dikio, Kosta.You are right, Kostas.
- Κώστας KostasΘα μείνουμε στο σπίτι σήμερα.Tha meinoume sto spiti simera.We will stay at home today.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “because” translations and entries επειδή, διότι, γιατί, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries γιατί, διότι, επειδή, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
